Refectory tables are long models of table meant to seat many people during eating.

Historically, various types of tables have been popular through western history:

Tripod tables were very popular during the Chippendale period. They are round tables, usually with a tilt-top mechanism.

Pembroke tables were first introduced during the Chippendale period, they were popular until the 19th century. Pembroke tables are smalltables with sliding extensions, usually oval-shaped.

Sofa tables evolved from the Pembroke tables, with the specific meant use of beingplaced directly behind couches. They are longer and narrower than Pembroke tables and usually have stretchers and dummy drawers.

Work table were small tables meant for ladies to sew at. They appeared during the 18th century.Typical early models have pedestal, but French types usually have four legs and an undertier.

Drum tables are round tables introduced for writing, with drawers around the platform.

End tables are small tables typically placed beside couches or armchairs. Often lamps will be placed on an end table.

A table can be used temporarily for objects such as food and eating utensils during a meal, cups for drinks, a book (especially a big one, that one can not easily keep in one's hands), a spread-out map, writing paper during writing, and anything that requires having several objects at hand, including various hobbies. Tables are frequently used to drop small items such as keychains or pens until further use. Tables sometimes substitute for other pieces of furniture, such as chairs and beds that require little more than a flat surface to accomplish their basic goal.

The first tables were made and used by the Egyptians, and were little more than metal or stone platforms used to keep objects off the floor. They were not used for seating people. Food was put on large plates deposed on a pedestal for eating. The Egyptians made use of various small tables and elevated playing boards.

The Greeks and Romans made more frequent use of tables, notably for eating, although Greek tables were pushed under the beds after use. The Greeks invented a piece of furniture very similar to the guéridon. Tables were made of marble or wood and metal (typically bronze or silveralloys). Later, the larger rectangular tables were made of separate platforms and pillars. The Romans also introduced a large, semicircular table to Italy, the mensa lunata.

Furniture during the Middle Ages is not as well-known as that of earlier or later periods,and most sources show the types used by the nobility. In the Eastern Roman Empire, tables were made of metal or wood, usually with four feet frequently linked by x-shaped stretchers. Tables for eating were large, usually round or semicircular. A combination of a small round table and a lectern seemed very popular as a writing table[1]. In western Europe, the invasions and intestine wars caused most of the knowledge inherited from the classical era to be lost. As a result of the necessary movability, most tables were simple trestle tables, although small round tables made from joinery reappeared during the 15th century and onward. In the Gothic era, the chest became totally widespread and was often used as a table.

Refectory tables first appeared in the 16th century as an evolution of the trestle table.